What is wrong with this sentence?

Question

Can someone please tell me what is 'grammatically' wrong with the following sentence:

The defeat of the home country was due to the sacrificing of eight war ships.

The correct sentence is:

The defeat of the home country was due to the sacrifice of eight war ships.

But, I can't put my finger on why the first sentence is wrong. Is "sacrificing" used as a gerund here?

Thanks,
Bharosey.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

rambharoseyIs "sacrificing" used as a gerund here?

Yes. It's a gerund.

I don't see anything wrong grammatically with the first sentence, so I would not say that it's wrong from the viewpoint of grammar.

Nevertheless, there is a slight difference in meaning to my ear.

the sacrificing of ships gives the impression of a religious ritual. It seems to indicate that the home country purposely burned the ships to appease the gods, or something of that nature.

the sacrifice of ships gives me the impression that the enemy took the ships by force. The home country had to give up the ships to the enemy.

I believe the second meaning was the intended one.

Others may have different views on these sentences.

CJ

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